Positivity is not the be all and end all to humanities problems. There are times when reality must be embraced at the expense of our happiness. Solutions need correct assessments, and correct assessments cannot be made under false pretences of ideological ignorance.
The current pandemic has struck humanity at a time when positivity propaganda has been weaponised as a sedative for the masses that allows authoritative and institutionalised injustice and oppression to thrive.
The instruction to ‘stay positive’ is a term many of us are familiar with. It has become a mantra for many frightened souls. Souls who wish to make it through life without the risk of real action and change.
Due to the massive removal of basic human rights all over the world right now, I myself have become more of a curmudgeon than ever. I have a right to scorn and ridicule that which is absurd and illogical. I don’t subscribe to the ruse that it is all due to our health and safety.
The world has become one giant superstitious cult. Entire countries and their citizens are being shackled and burdened by their own leaders. Many rules and regulations will be in place long after the threat of the virus. Many more are yet to be instituted. Because of fear, we are subjecting ourselves to a lifetime of bondage.
It is not a time to be positive and hopeful in the political institutions of man. I don’t care how many lives they imagine they are saving, the ‘new normal’ of shutting down businesses, churches, public places and spaces, along with deliberate fracturing of normal human contact is as big of a defiance against our God created human design and evolution as the propaganda of suddenly being able to choose our own gender.
The captain of our salvation did not save us by further locking us into an insulated cult where we would be forever protected from the dangers of the world around us. He didn’t give us instructions on virtue signalling masks and religious garments so people would know we are committed to keeping ourselves clean and distant from viral sinners.
More important matters on hand
He wasn’t worried about whether his disciples ate with unwashed hands. He didn’t even set up groups of concerned brethren to do follow up or contact tracing in case someone who said they would follow him ended up back in the pub drinking the devils poison and sharing a cigarette.
Our saviour’s idea of staying positive in hard circumstances was remembering and fellowshipping over his broken body and spilt blood until he returns.
Jesus put on a body and threw himself into the fray. He walked our stinking streets, held the leper’s hand, sat with the sinner and supped with the saints. He went to synagogue, visited the sick, attended weddings and touched the dead.
He risked his life, and the lives of his followers. In fact, risk was mandatory when it came to following Jesus. “He who wishes to come after me, must take up his cross and follow me.”
As churches in different parts of the world are gradually being allowed to open up again with limitations, many pastors are being shamed into continued closure by being told they will risk the lives of their congregation. A good shepherd gives his life for the sheep, but, if that shepherd is following Jesus, then the sheep should also be willing to give their lives for the truth also.
A follower of Christ should be willing to carry their instrument of crucifixion. The community of Christ should understand that we share the scorn and the risk together. Our works must be consistent with our claims of faith, as James the apostle instructed us.
I believe that if you die for doing the right thing then you are a true martyr and witness for Jesus. For instance, many excuse themselves from helping a stranger due to the risk to their own safety, especially in crime ridden countries. However, if you help the stranger and are killed by the person you helped, you have died in an act of bringing the kingdom of God into the earth. Great is your reward.
Focus on the important
One of the main points of the sermon on the mount, is deliberately doing what is right and just without thought or fear of consequence. Turning the other cheek to him who strikes you may endanger your physical well-being. Giving to anyone who asks or wants to borrow may hurt you financially.
Giving the coat off your back to the one who sues you and already took so much might leave you with nothing at all. Christianity is not for cowards. Jesus never filtered his life for the safety of his followers. Nor has He since.
Fear is not our master. He that sanctifies and those that are being sanctified are all one, for which cause (set apart for death and the glory to follow) He is not ashamed to call them brethren (Hebrews 2:11). Don’t be shamed into shutdowns and mental meltdowns by the world’s new safety officers. Fellowship and communion must continue till the true messiah comes, not until some know it all with a messianic complex vaccinates the planets population.
Joshua Robbie is currently serving the Lord under Pastors Ronnie and Shirley Naidoo of KZN Celebration Centre in Tongaat South Africa. He and His wife Rene’ moved from Australia to South Africa in April 2016. Their desire is to help in whatever way they can so that the church can become all that God has purposed her to be. Josh is a painter by trade and also enjoys sports such as surfing, basketball and boxing. He has also written a book, now available for purchase on Amazon called: “Your Father sees: Living the sermon on the mount”.Josh Robbie previous articles may be viewed http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/josh-robbie.html
